GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Contrary to popular assumption, modern cars still require tune-ups to maintain optimal performance. The traditional “tune-up” was once the cornerstone of the automotive industry.
Technology advanced at a rapid rate, and doing a standard tune-up required new steps. These days, highly complex fuel and ignition systems are standard, with one or more onboard computers handling crucial engine and transmission management duties.
You won’t get where you want to go if the car isn’t getting enough maintenance. The mechanical transmission control (including onboard diagnostic tests), gasoline ignition, batteries, charging and starting engines, and emissions should all be tested as part of the 21st Century Tune-up on today’s modern automobiles.
In order to guarantee optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions, the Car Care Council also advises drivers to invest the necessary time in getting acquainted with their car. Learn how to operate each system inside and out by reading the owner’s manual. Focus especially on the instrumentation and indicator lights.
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Preparing Your Car for the Winter
In the cold, mechanical failure—which is inconvenient whenever it happens—can be fatal. You must perform preventive maintenance. A well-kept car is more fun to drive, lasts longer, and can be worth more when it’s time to sell it.
While some of the following recommendations are do-it-yourself projects, others need to be handled by a qualified car technician.
Engine Performance: Have any issues with the engine’s driveability, such as rough idling, hard starts, stalling, decreased power, etc., fixed at a reputable repair facility. Cold temperature exacerbates pre-existing issues. Change out soiled fuel, air, and other filters.
Fuel: To prevent moisture from solidifying in the fuel line, add a container of fuel de-icer to your tank once a month. Keep in mind that having a full gas tank prevents the formation of moisture.
Shield Wipers: Change out the worn-out blades. Get winter blades with rubber coating if the weather is severe to prevent ice accumulation. You’ll be shocked at how much windshield washer solution you use, so stock up. Carry an ice-scraper.
Heater/Defroster: For the comfort of passengers and the safety of drivers, the heating device and defroster must be in good working condition. An air filter in the cabin of more recent models needs to be changed on a regular basis. To find out the location and replacement interval, consult your owner’s manual.
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Battery: Only specialized equipment can accurately identify a poor battery. Normal maintenance involves cleaning all surfaces, tightening all connections, and scraping away corrosion from posts and cable connections. Verify the fluid level once a month if the battery lids are detachable. Steer clear of battery acid and corrosive residues. Put on rubber gloves and goggles.
Lights: Examine all lights and bulbs; change burned-out bulbs; clean all lenses from
Exhaust System: Get your car up on a lift, then have the exhaust system checked for leakage. Check for tiny holes in the floor boards and trunk. Some exhaust fumes are lethal.
Tires: In the cold, worn tires are not very useful. Inspect tires for uneven wear, cupping, and remaining tread life. Additionally, look for cuts and nicks on the sidewalls. Once a month, check the tire pressure. Prior to embarking on any lengthy drive, inspect the tires during their cold state. Rotate in the suggested manner. Remember to bring along a spare, and make sure the jack is in working order.
Bring emergency supplies such as tire chains, sand or cat litter, gloves, boots, blankets, flares, and a flashlight. Stow some “high-energy” munchies in your glove compartment.
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Preparing Your Car for the Summer
Summer’s heat, dirt, and traffic jams will take their toll on your vehicle. You can be on the verge of a breakdown if the impacts of the previous winter are added. Routine maintenance can reduce the likelihood of mechanical failure. In addition to lasting longer, your car should fetch more money when it’s sold! Some of the following advice can be done by anyone, but others need for a qualified vehicle specialist.
Air conditioning: In hot conditions, a barely functional system will malfunction. Have the system inspected by a qualified technician. The air that enters the heating and air conditioning system is cleaned by cabin air filters found in more recent models. To find out where and when to replace it, consult your owner’s manual.
Cooling System: Overheating is the main reason for summertime malfunctions. About every 24 months, the cooling system needs to be fully cleansed and replenished. Regular checks should be made on the coolant’s level, state, and concentration. (It’s normally advised to mix anti-freeze and water 50/50.) Do-it-yourselfers, wait until the engine has completely cooled before removing the radiator cap! An expert should inspect the condition and tightness of the driving belts, clamps, and hoses.
Oil: Replace your oil and oil filter as directed by your owner’s handbook; if you haul a trailer, go on long, luggage-laden journeys, or take many short excursions, you should do so more frequently (every 3,000 miles).
Engine Performance: In dusty conditions, replace other filters (fuel, air, PCV, etc.) more frequently than suggested. Get any engine driveability issues fixed at a reputable shop, such as hard starts, rough idling, stalling, decreased power, etc.
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Windshield Wipers: A dirty windshield can be dangerous and exhausting for the eyes. Obtain an ample supply of windshield washer solution and swap out worn blades.
Lights: Check all of the lights and bulbs, change any that are burned out, and clean all of the lenses from dirt and insects on a regular basis. You should never use a dry rag to avoid scratching.
Tires: Approximately every 5,000 miles, have your tires rotated. Once a month, check the tire pressure. If you’re going any distance, check it while the tires are still cold. Remember to inspect your spare as well and make sure the jack is in working order. Inspect tires for cupping, uneven wear, and tread life. Look for cuts and nicks on the sidewalls. If your car pulls to one side or has uneven tread wear, an alignment is necessary.
Brakes: If your vehicle exhibits pulsations, grabs, sounds, or a longer stopping distance, you should have your brakes inspected as soon as your owner’s handbook advises. Minor brake problems should be remedied soon.
Battery: Throughout the year, batteries can die. Only specialized equipment can accurately identify a weak battery. Normal maintenance involves cleaning all surfaces, tightening all connections, and scraping away corrosion from posts and cable connections. Check the fluid level once a month if the battery lids are removable. Steer clear of battery acid and corrosive residues. Put on rubber gloves and goggles.
In an emergency, carry a few simple tools and get advice from a technician. Add flares, a flashlight, and a first aid kit as well. Think about acquiring a smartphone.
It is undoubtedly advantageous to keep your car tuned in to the surroundings. According to a survey of ASE-certified Master Auto Technicians, a well maintained and operated car would not only benefit the environment but also run more effectively, be safer, and last up to 50% longer.
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The following advice ought to get you started on the path of car care that respects the environment.
- Maintain the tune of your engine. A misfiring spark plug can lower fuel efficiency as much as 30%.
- Observe the maintenance schedules specified in your owner’s handbook. Filters and fluids should be changed as advised.
- Verify the correct inflation on your tires. Fuel is wasted when there is underinflation because the engine needs to work harder to move the car.
- When wheels are out of alignment, as shown by uneven tread wear or pulling of the car, the engine has to work harder. Tires that are properly maintained will last longer, requiring less scrap tires to be disposed of.
- Respect speed restrictions. Mileage drops off quickly over 60 mph.
- Proceed cautiously. Stay away from jerky stop-and-gos and abrupt accelerations. When driving on an open highway, use the cruise control to maintain a constant speed.
- Avoid excessive idling. When friends and relatives arrive, turn off the engine.
- The modern cars are made to “warm up” quickly, so the five-minute warm-ups on chilly winter mornings are long gone.
- Take out anything extra from the car. Better mileage comes with less weight.
- To cut down on air drag, store freight and luggage in the trunk as opposed to the roof.
- Arrange travel. Combine your everyday errands to cut down on needless driving. To avoid stop-and-go traffic, try to travel during periods of light traffic.
- Take part in a carpool.
Keep in mind that the way your automobile operates, how you drive it, and how you dispose of its tires, old parts, and fluids all have a big impact on the environment.
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